When the empty nest years arrive, many people ask: “Now what?” After working so long and hard to raise children and provide a safe and nurturing environment for your family, it can be difficult to move forward into a new and uncharted phase of life. Here are a few ways to embrace this time period and create a happy and healthy future for you and your spouse.
Connect with friends who share similar circumstances. Chances are, many of your friends have also entered the empty nest years. It’s not only important to have friends who understand how your life is changing, but they can provide encouragement, support, distraction or even adventure. A great way to connect with people is over a good meal. Perhaps you could form a dinner club or commit to meeting at a favorite restaurant every month.
Exercise. For the past 18+ years, you spent much of your time chasing (and driving!) your children around. Now you may feel like it’s time to focus on your own physical health. And it’s certainly not too late to start! Exercise gives you energy, reduces your risk for disease and infection and lifts your spirits. You might choose to spend more time on the golf course, join a Pilates class, get up early to walk around your neighborhood park or even use the city’s new bike share program.
Take up a hobby. During the child-rearing years, most of your time was consumed with supporting their activities. When the empty nest years hit, however, it’s important to adopt some activities or hobbies of your own–or some that you and your spouse can enjoy together. If you love to cook and have always wanted to expand your repertoire, you could take cooking classes. Or if you love to garden and are interested in meeting people who also have a green thumb, you could join a community garden. You might want to travel more, learn a new language, restore old cars or learn to sew. The possibilities are endless.
Get tech savvy. Now that your children are out of the house and on their own, the way you communicate with them will most likely change. In a world where people prefer texting and e-mailing to talking on the phone or writing letters, modern technology is an easy and efficient way for parents and kids to stay in touch. Smart phones and apps such as Facetime and Skype make it possible to share face-to-face communication with your loved ones. Additionally, you might want to exchange photos via text or use social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram.
Volunteer. Another excellent way to stay busy during your empty nest years is to volunteer. Statistics show that volunteering improves communities, lowers crime and boosts health and happiness. There are literally thousands of ways you could donate your time to help others, such as tutoring, preparing meals for families in need, supporting an organization you admire or working at a shelter.
The empty nest years can be a very fulfilling, exciting time in your life. Try to think of it as a re-birth of sorts, a time to embrace change and enjoy your family in a new and different way.
